Experiencing SIA International Cup 2015 as a photographer / media personnel ( Video )

Although this was not my first time attending a major horse racing championship cup (the previous one was Emirates Singapore Derby 2014) at the Singapore Turf Cup (STC), but this was the most exciting one to date. SIA International Cup 2015 ( held on 17 May 2015 ) was an eye-opener for me. In fact, the cup is the climax of the Singapore International Racing Festival. Over the past month, thousands of Singaporeans have participated in the festival activities through the roadshows held in Raffles Place and on Orchard Road. Thanks to Jessie and Dominic, I was invited to join the International media section to cover the race as a photographer.

The international media centre was at the far corner of the large STC building and faces the racing track making it easier for media personnel to reach the track when the race starts. You get to witness foreign photographers, reporters, videographers from Hong Kong, Australia, Japan and many other countries. They are here to cover the races on the Singapore International Cup 2015. This year will be the 15^th running of the SIA International Cup and 10^th edition of the KrisFlyer International Sprint. The prize money were huge at SGD $3 million for SIA International and SGD 1 million for KrisFlyer International Sprint. Naturally, it attracts a lot of foreign horses and their owners to compete. Not just for the money but also for the fame and glory.

During the afternoon, many races were conducted.  The SIA International Cup race took place at the end of the day sometimes in the evening. Just before SIA International Cup race, a Kris Flyer International Sprint was carried out. There were actually 2 major races awards. Both races winner goes to Hong Kong. Hong Kong horses and their jockey performed very well in this SIA International Cup, bringing back glory to the Hong Kong horse racing arena.  Only recently, I came to know of my primary school classmate who was in Hong Kong working as a horse trainer.  It just strikes me as I connect my memory with the winning Hong Kong racing team.

The procedure for a usual horse race would be (from what I have observed)

• A race was conducted.
• Winning race accompanied by a STC horse parade along the track. The rest of the horses returned back to their stable.
• Winning horse and her hockey arrived at the area where photographers take photos of the horse, jockey and the horse owner. The horse return to stable while the jockey (if major race) get an interview from reporters, TV host etc.

Just before a race, both jockey and their horses paraded around a circular compound surrounded by a public area for those interested to view both the horses and their jockey. 

 It was a long day, the SIA International Cup does open my eyes as a photographer as well as a media personnel. 

Do enjoy the photos and video that I have taken at the event.

Here is my video highlights for the SIA International Cup

If you require an event photographer, wedding photographer or any other professional photography services, do email me at see323@yahoo.com.sg . You can also message me at my  FACEBOOK account. To view my photos, click My Flicker Photos